Chevron recently announced that senior staff engineer Shawn Whitacre has been selected as the new chairman of the ASTM Heavy-Duty Engine Oil Classification Panel (HDEOCP). Whitacre replaces the outgoing chairman, Chevron consulting scientist Jim McGeehan, who has led the panel since 1987. Whitacre will help lead development of the upcoming Proposed Category 11 (PC-11) and provide guidance as the heavy-duty motor oil (HDMO) category continues to evolve.
"Shawn brings technical expertise from Chevron along with the perspective and expertise of working in fluids for an engine manufacturer at Cummins," said Brian Stripling, general manager at Chevron Lubricants. "His expertise will be key to generating the consensus that the industry must reach to continue moving forward. Jim McGeehan was instrumental in moving HDMO stakeholders to consensus over his 28-year term, and we believe Shawn's experience will help carry on this precedence."
Whitacre has been involved with the ASTM HDEOCP since 1996 and has helped to develop five categories dating back to API CH-4. Chevron recently named Whitacre as McGeehan's direct replacement when the longtime industry leader retired in June 2015.
Whitacre's career spans nearly 20 years and has been focused exclusively on research and engineering, dealing with heavy-duty engine lubricants, fuels and materials. Before joining Chevron in 2013, he spent 12 years leading global fluids and materials engineering activities for Cummins. He also spent five years conducting lubricant, fuel and emission research for the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, Colorado.
At Chevron, Whitacre is primarily responsible for product formulation of the Delo Brand of heavy-duty engine oils and is the lead formulator responsible for development of Chevron's PC-11 product line upgrade.
"While the ASTM develops categories for the North American market, these categories influence the global HDMO market," said Whitacre. "Jim has enjoyed an admirable career, and I am honored to assume his responsibilities at the ASTM and at Chevron."
For more information, visit www.ChevronLubricants.com.
